RFP issued for 21st Century Community Learning Centers program

The Maine Department of Education has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking bids from interested parties to execute comprehensive 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) programs in 2016-17.

Enacted under Title IV, Part B of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), the 21st CCLC program provides competitive grant funding to support before school, after school, and summer learning programs that focus on improving the academic performance of students in pre-Kindergarten through grade 12.

In Maine, the primary purpose of the 21st CCLC program is to provide school and community partnerships with funding to establish or expand programs that provide students in high-need, economically-disadvantaged communities with academic enrichment opportunities designed to complement traditional school day curriculum. In addition, these programs can provide a broad array of additional support services related to overall student health and well being. Local 21st CCLC programs, which are either located in an elementary schools, secondary schools or similarly accessible community facilities, provide high quality support services to students during non-school hours or periods when school is not in session. As such, these programs also support working parents and families by providing safe, conducive learning environments for students at times when school is not in session.

The RFP, which includes information regarding eligibility for new, expansion, and continuation applicants, is available here. A bidder’s conference, which will provide information for completing the RFP application and provide an opportunity for potential bidders to ask questions, is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Feb. 25 at the Department of Public Safety at 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta.

For more information on the 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Program, contact the Department’s Federal Grant Coordinator Travis Doughty at travis.w.doughty@maine.gov.